Fall is the easiest season to grow in DC. Pests fade, nights cool down and the first frost usually waits until early November. Here is the calendar we give every customer at hand off.
Mid August to early September
Sow beets, carrots, kale, collards, Swiss chard and bush beans. Transplant broccoli and cabbage starts. Water every day until the seedlings are up.
September
Sow lettuce, spinach, arugula, radishes, turnips and cilantro. Plant garlic at the end of the month. Pull spent tomatoes and peppers as they slow down.
October
Sow a last round of radishes and arugula. Plant garlic if you missed September. Cover beds with a low hoop and row cover before the first frost. Lettuce and spinach keep growing under cover into December.
November
Mulch garlic with 3 inches of shredded leaves. Add compost to empty beds and cover them with leaves for winter. Clean and oil tools.